Joshua was educated in the common schools and academy of Clarion. He married Susan Richards, daughter of Abraham Richards, of Clarion. He clerked for his father in the prothonotary's office until 1862, when he enlisted under Captain B. J. Reid, in Company F, of the Sixty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Colonel Hays commanding. In the beginning of the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines he was killed while as first sergeant, he was forming the company for action; he was buried on the battle field.
The last letter he wrote to his wife:
12 Miles from
Richmond, Henrico Co., V'a.. May 28th, 1862.
Dear Wife: When I
last wrote, we had just returned from a picket, having been relieved by the
87th Regiment New York Volunteers. They in turn were relieved by the 57th Regt.
Penna. Volunteers on yesterday morning. By custom they should have been
relieved by the 105th Regt. Penna. Volunteers, but were not, for what reason I
cannot tell. Nothing worthy of note or interest has occurred since being on
picket. I am in the enjoyment of excellent health today, and have been for
sometime past for which 1 am thankful to my Heavenly Father.
An
order was issued on day before yesterday that all knapsacks and contents were
to be sent to the rear, keeping nothing but our woolen blankets, and shelter
tents. We are to be encumbered as little as possible in view, 1 suppose, of
approaching conflict. I kept my Bible and likenesses of both mother and
yourself, all of which I shall carry with me. We had a delightful shower of
rain this afternoon which has effectually cooled the scorching rays of Old Sol.
livening. -The sun is about setting, the beautiful rays flashing in the
heavens, and painting the clouds with a beauty and richness the art of which a
painter might court to possess. John is very sick, and has been for several
days, hardly being able to walk. He will have to go to the hospital. I hope
that his sickness will not be of a very serious character. The health of the
company generally is good, that also of the regiment. I do not know when we
will leave our present camp. I hope and trust that this war will speedily come to
a close, as I am tired of it, yet my love for my fallen and bleeding country is
such, that unless I have to be discharged on account of sickness or disability,
or death should take me. I will remain and share all its privations, hardships
and toils, and while I am fighting for my country, may I also fight the battle
of the Cross.
May 29th, 1862, 2 a. m.—I am in the enjoyment of
very good health, as also that of the company. I had a very delightful
conversation with Rev. Dr. Marks on last night. He says he will give me a
certificate of membership, and a letter to Rev. Montgomery, today. I want to
send it as soon as possible, for if there was any danger of Mr. Montgomery
leaving this world, I want him to know it before he leaves, as his prayers and
supplications are at last answered. I am very sorry to hear that the usually
very quiet place of Clarion was so excited that a riot almost occurred. I hope
that that riot will be last that Clarion shall ever behold. As it is time for
company drill I must close, and I want my letter mailed in time. My love to
father, mother and the boys, also to Pages. My most sincere love to you and the
children, kiss them for me. I remain as ever your loving and affectionate
husband,
Joshua
H. Delo
__________________________________________________________________________
Father*
Daniel Delo
(b. 09 Dec 1799, d. 19 Dec 1877)
Mother*
Christina Laughnor
(b. 28 Nov 1807, d. 02 Dec 1877)
__________________________________________________________________________
Birth*
15 Oct 1841
Clarion County, PA
Marriage*
11 Sep 1860
Susan C. Richards
(b. 24 Jan 1842, d. 25 May 1908)
Son:
01 Jan 1861
Joshua Stanley C. Delo
(b. 01 Jan 1861, d. 04 Mar 1923)
Daughter:
09
May 1862
Mary Hunter Delo
(b. 09 May 1862, d. 13 Aug 1838); Clarion
County, PA.
Death*
31 May 1862
Killed at the battle of Fair Oaks during the Civil War.
__________________________________________________________________________
Written by Bob Krepps © 2002 all rights reserved. Permission granted to copy for personal & non-commercial purposes only.